**1. Introduction**

Nowadays, the global trends of bioeconomy and sustainability require the use of biobased raw materials in all scientific and application fields to reduce the global carbon dioxide fingerprint. In this direction, natural biopolymers such as chitosan, sodium alginate, gelatin, pectin, and xanthan are potential candidates for replacing polymers derived from mineral oils in new food packaging applications. At the same time, nanotechnology provides innovative applications in the field of food packaging, similar to those provided in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. By incorporating biobased bioactive compounds such as essential oils, derivatives of essential oils, propolis, anthocyanin, aloe vera, acacia gum, and collagen in biopolymers, novel gels and hydrogels can be developed with the control release properties of enriched bioactive compounds, which can be applied as smart films and coatings in the food industry. Moreover, nanomaterials such as nanoclays and natural zeolites can be used as new, cheap, and natural abundant nanocarriers for such bioactive compounds and enhance their release control properties from the biopolymer matrix. These bioactive films and coating materials enhance solubility, improve bioavailability, facilitate controlled release, and protect bioactive ingredients during manufacture and storage. The current Special Issue provides a fresh bouquet of articles on the bioactive gel films and coatings applied to active food packaging.
